Cimarron Reservoirs are a series of small reservoirs along the Cimarron River drainage in Gunnison County, accessed via the Cimarron Road (also known as the Silver Jack Road or County Road 858) south of US Highway 50 between Montrose and Gunnison. The area sits within the Uncompahgre National Forest, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, dense aspen groves, and spruce-fir forests that produce some of the most spectacular fall color displays in western Colorado. The drive alone is worth the trip, winding through a remote canyon with the Cimarron River running alongside the road.
Fishing is one of the main draws at the Cimarron Reservoirs. The reservoirs and the river below them hold rainbow trout and brown trout, and the relatively remote location means fishing pressure stays low compared to front range waters. Shore fishing and fly fishing are both productive, and small boats or float tubes give anglers access to deeper water. Water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on the season and irrigation demands, so check conditions before planning a trip focused entirely on water access.
Camping in the Cimarron area is a highlight for visitors who want solitude in a stunning setting. Multiple dispersed camping sites and a few developed campgrounds are scattered along the road, most operated by the US Forest Service. Sites are first-come, first-served, and many offer direct river or reservoir access. Expect vault toilets and fire rings at developed sites, but no hookups, no showers, and limited amenities. The remote location keeps crowds manageable even during peak summer months.
Hiking trails branch off from the Cimarron Road into the surrounding national forest and the Uncompahgre Wilderness. The terrain ranges from gentle riverside walks to more strenuous climbs into the high country above treeline. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the area, with elk, mule deer, black bears, and a variety of birds commonly spotted. The fall season, typically mid-September through early October, transforms the landscape into a patchwork of gold, orange, and red that draws photographers and leaf peepers from across the state.
The Cimarron area is remote, and visitors should come prepared. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent along much of the road. The nearest services for fuel, food, and supplies are in Montrose (about 20 miles north) or Cimarron (a small community along US 50). The road is gravel and suitable for most vehicles in summer and fall, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for some spur roads. Winter access is limited by snow, and the road may close seasonally. Bring everything you need, plan for self-sufficiency, and enjoy one of the quieter corners of the Colorado high country.